Learn how to stand up paddle and have SUP lessons and tours at SUP Central Tours, an ASI accredited learn to stand up paddle school, located at Lake Caliraya, Laguna, only 2.5 hours drive from Manila.

Set in the mountains, with nature all around, it is a popular getaway from Manila.

SUP Central Tours  is owned and operated by Michi Sotto.  She started paddling in 2013 at Lake Caliraya, becasue it looked like fun.  She was hooked.  She found that paddling, she could keep fit, de-stress and enjoy the stunning water locations that the Philippines offers.

Since then Michi has paddled at a large range of locations around the Philippines, from inland waters, to coastal oceans and island locations.  She has also entered SUP races, and helped organise SUP race competitions and events.

With a background as a couture bridal gown and women's wear designer, she retired in June 2018 and decided to set up the SUP School, to introduce others to the sport.

Michi holds ASI Level 2 SUP Instructor (Exposed Waters), first aid and rescue certifications.

She is assisted in the SUP school with experienced and accredited ASI SUP instructors holding rescue and first aid qualifications.  

Central SUP Tours  offers group and private lessons, SUP Wise learn to SUP certificate courses, SUP tours, team building and rentals  for kids, adults, parties, school groups, and corporates.

SUP lessons range from1 to  2 hour to weekend packages.

Accommodation and paddling packages are also available.

SUP tours are organised to take in the sights of the Lake.

SUP lessons and activities are held on Lake Caliraya.   It is an amazing place to stand up paddle. 

The Lake is a man-made lake on top of the Sierra Madres foothills, and is quite large, 8 kms long and about 3kms wide.

It has calm protected waters, cooler temperatures and set against pine-lined shores, rolling hills and quiet coves. 

Only 2.5 hours drive from Manila, it is the perfect escape for both adventures and relaxation.

The Lake is very safe, making it a good option for learning to SUP.

For the more adventures, SUP tours.  As you paddle along, visit tiny island, narrow inlets and small coves. See birdlife such as kingfishers, herons, egrets, swallows and occasional hawks. In the water are aquatic plants and plentiful fish.

From the middle of the lake, you get wide, open views of:

• The Sierra Madre mountain range

• Mist rising off the water in the morning

• Golden light hitting the hills at sunset

 It’s one of the most scenic freshwater paddling spots near Manila.

Central SUP Tours operates out of Soloviento accommodation resort
Toilets and change rooms and parking is available.
After paddling, relax on the shore, and or enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant.

The lake is known for water activities such as kayaking, stand‑up paddling, windsurfing, and fishing, and its wide, calm surface makes it especially inviting for beginners.

Resorts around the lake offer everything from simple lakeside cabins to full adventure parks with ziplines, obstacle courses, and guided lake cruises.

At the same time, the area remains quiet enough for those who prefer slow mornings, birdwatching, or exploring the lake’s hidden inlets. Many visitors enjoy camping or having bonfires at night, taking advantage of the cooler climate and the clear, starry sky.

What makes Lake Caliraya appealing is the balance it strikes: it’s close enough to Manila for a weekend escape, yet far enough from busy tourist centers to feel peaceful and natural.

Lake Caliraya sits in a part of Laguna that’s surrounded by both natural wonders and historic towns, making it easy to combine a lake trip with sightseeing.

The most famous attraction nearby is Cavinti Falls—better known as Pagsanjan Falls—located about 12–15 km from the lake, depending on your starting point. It’s one of the Philippines’ iconic waterfalls, reached either by a jungle hike or the traditional canoe ride through a dramatic gorge.

Also close by, roughly 10–12 km away, is the Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex, where guided tours take visitors through limestone chambers and cool, shaded caverns.

If you head toward the heritage towns of Pagsanjan and Lumban, both about 8–10 km from the lake, you’ll find Spanish‑era landmarks such as the Pagsanjan Stone Arch, the historic Church of Pagsanjan, and the old church in Lumban, a town known as the birthplace of traditional Filipino embroidery.

For quieter nature spots, Bumbungan Eco Park in Lumban is only 6–7 km away and offers a riverside setting with a gentle waterfall created by the Bumbungan River.

Smaller, more secluded waterfalls like Naculo Falls in Cavinti are also within 10–15 km of the lake.

If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery—one of Laguna’s most unique Spanish‑era sites—is about 30–35 km from Caliraya and often included in heritage tours of the region.

All of these attractions sit within easy driving distance, making Lake Caliraya a convenient base for exploring both the natural beauty and the cultural history of Laguna.

Soloviento. Eco resort and campsite. website